Seasonal Hiking Guide

Who We Are

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public.

As a non‑profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17-20/hour
Hours per week: Variable
Job Classification: Seasonal, non‑exempt
Job Type: Onsite
Duration: April – October
Location: Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

Supporting the engagement mission of The Trustees, the Crane Outdoors Hiking Guide is instrumental in leading hiking trips and other outdoor‑based recreational programming.

The Trustees is seeking a Seasonal Crane Outdoors Hiking Guide. You will bring guests safely into the varied natural areas at the Crane Estate, engage and inspire them to enjoy the outdoors, deepen their sense of place, and foster an appreciation of the Trustees conservation mission. The Crane Estate contains over 2000+ acres of pristine natural beauty, including an extensive trail network in a dune habitat hosting 11 distinct ecosystems.

It is open daily and operates programming on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and some holidays, particularly during peak seasons.

As a Crane Outdoors Hiking Guide, you will work closely with the Crane Outdoors Manager and Lead Guide to create best‑in‑class guided experiences for Crane Estate guests. You will lead hikes, and/or other outdoor adventures, fit guests with required adventure gear, and always maintain a keen eye on safety, including assisting with the maintenance of Trustees‑owned equipment. Most importantly, you must bring a passion and sense of wonder of the outdoors to this work and be excited about the prospect of sharing this with visitors to the Crane Estate.

• Deliver quality outdoor recreational programming that leverages unique Trustees assets such as hiking trails and relevant outdoor historic and cultural resources
• Own the safety and enjoyment of Crane Outdoors guests, including on‑trail group management and first aid as needed
• Leverage training provided by Crane Estate guest experience and environmental professionals to educate guests about the natural and cultural history of the Crane Estate
• Report on events with attendance and final enrollment data
• Assist with the care of field gear, including logging equipment issues/repair needs
• Connect guests with information about membership and other upcoming programs
• Interact with Crane Outdoors volunteers so that their experience is enjoyable and makes a positive contribution to program execution

This is a seasonal, non‑exempt position reporting directly to the Crane Outdoors Manager and Lead Guide.

• High level of physical fitness and an ability to lead groups outdoors, sometimes under challenging conditions
• Positive attitude, strong team‑orientation, and flexible approach and commitment to achieving the goals of the Crane Outdoors program and The Trustees more broadly
• Leveraging training to be provided, a willingness to bring to this work a solid understanding of the rich ecological and/or cultural history of the Crane Estate, including Castle Hill, Castle Neck, and the Crane Wildlife Refuge
• Applicants should possess an active certificate or be willing to acquire First Aid and CPR certification. Outdoor safety training, provided by The Trustees, is required of all Guides.

• Willing to work outside during all weather conditions
• Ability to lift and move 60‑lbs
• Flexibility to work holidays, evenings, and…